Draft Wire projects Derwin James, Deon Cain to Browns in '18 mock

Our brother site Draft Wire released an updated first-round projection for the 2018 NFL Draft. This should hold special interest for Browns fans as Cleveland holds two picks in the first round thanks to a trade with the Houston Texans.

The draft order is based on current Super Bowl odds, which still pits the Browns as decided also-rans. Cleveland holds the No. 2 overall pick, and after the San Francisco 49ers select USC QB Sam Darnold with the first pick, the Browns snag Florida State safety Derwin James.

James is an outstanding, do-it-all defensive back who has enough coverage skills and long speed to transition to cornerback. For my money, he is a better prospect at the same point than former teammate Jalen Ramsey, who thrived in Jacksonville as the No. 4 pick in the 2016 NFL Draft.

The bookies still like the Texans, so the pick acquired from Houston doesn’t come until No. 24 overall. With that selection, this projection forecasts Clemson wideout Deon Cain to Cleveland. It’s a fitting bit of symmetry, as the Texans used the pick acquired in 2017 on Cain’s quarterback, Deshaun Watson.

Interestingly, this mock does not project the Browns to select a quarterback in the first round despite what is considered a pretty strong QB class. Wide receiver and defensive back are both clear needs, so eschewing quarterback a year after taking DeShone Kizer in the second round and trading for Brock Osweiler does make sense.

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